PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu stated on Sunday that the military dictatorships in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso's Sahel Alliance would not weaken the determination of the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, to maintain its main goal.
In addition, President Tinubu declared that the regional bloc would bring its member nations back under military control on the basis of expeditious and practical transition plans that would bring about democracy and sound governance.
He claimed that the new strategy will enable some West African nations to return to constitutional democracy more quickly.
The President of Nigeria, who declared that military rule had no place in Africa, opened the 64th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja. He went on to explain that the goal of the ECOWAS in advocating for democracy is to give priority to good governance for West Africans, as it stimulates socioeconomic transformation and development.
He told heads of state that, “It is important that we also review some development in our sub-region, including the move by some of our members under Military rule to float an Alliance of Sahel States.
“This phantom, push back-alliance appears intended to divert attention from our mutual quest for democracy and good governance that will impact the life of our people.
“We refuse to be detracted from pursuing the collective dreams, aspirations and the noble path of ECOWAS integration as laid out in our institutional and legal frameworks.”
Recall that in September 2023, Mali’s Assimi Goita, who seized power in a military coup in 2020, explained that the “Liptako-Gourma Charter” forms the building block for an “Alliance of Sahel States to establish a collective defence and mutual assistance framework for our populations.”
This follows months of diplomatic tension following the coup d'état in Niger that toppled the government led by Mohamed Bazoum. The coup d'état sparked outrage, sanctions, and even the ECOWAS's threat of military action.
However, the chairman of the regional body insisted during his speech at the Extraordinary Session in Abuja that the penalties against the nations that toppled their democratically elected governments were intended to defend the citizens' fundamental rights.
He states that "the fight to preserve the fundamental liberties of our Community Citizens must be upheld and respected, even though the imposition of punitive sanctions may present difficulties."
“To this end, I would like to reiterate the imperative of re-engaging with the countries under military rule on the basis of realistic and short transition plans that can deliver democracy and good governance.
“On our part, we should be prepared to provide them with technical and material support to ensure the achievement of these strategic goals.
“We must pay attention to protect the institution and protect democracy I wish to underscore the fact that we stand against the unconstitutional change of government in our sub-region and we will continue to do so.”
He reiterated that Military rule is an aberration that subverts the popular will of the people hence it no longer has a place in Africa.
He said, “The message must go out loud and clear military rule has become an aberration that subverts the popular will of the people. It no longer has any place in Africa.
“Our people must be allowed to exercise their freedom of choice without let or hindrance. For democracy to endure in our sub-region, we must improve on good government and respect human rights and the rule of law.”
However, he said member states must “improve on good government and respect human rights and the rule of law” for democracy to endure in the sub-region.
Tinubu also commended his Liberian counterpart, George Weah, for conceding defeat at the just-concluded presidential elections and laying the groundwork for a smooth transition of power.
“By conceding defeat and congratulating his opponent, President Weah has left a legacy to be emulated by politicians in our region and beyond.
“On behalf of Members of the Authority, I express gratitude for his significant contributions to the Organization and wish him the very best in all his future endeavours,” said the President.
He guaranteed the bloc's support for maintaining democracy to President Julius Bio of Sierra Leone and President Umaro Embalo of Guinea-Bissau.
"Let me express my solidarity with the people and government of Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau regarding the recent disturbances there," Tinubu remarked.
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